Countless companies throw money at their retention problems – higher salaries, catered lunches, ping pong tables – only to watch their best talent walk out the door anyway. Why? Because they missed what actually matters. What employees truly crave is painfully simple: to be seen and valued for who they are and what they contribute.

A few months ago, I made a resolution for myself and started implementing it immediately. Looking forward at 2025, I have a lot of things I’m excited for – and I mean REALLY excited. But if I’m going to get there with continued enthusiasm and without dropping the ball, I’ve got to start respecting my boundaries a heck of a lot more.

I recently found myself juggling the largest client roster I've ever had at once and the workload was starting to feel overwhelming! My trusty pen-and-paper lists and daily sticky notes weren't cutting it anymore – Enter my surprisingly simple Excel system that's been a total game-changer:

Ever wonder how some people seem to effortlessly juggle work, family responsibilities, volunteering – the whole nine yards – and still make time for themselves? Well, I have a secret to "Getting Sh*t Done" (GSD)! Nothing fancy or complicated - just a sticky note and a to-do list!

In February, I celebrated my 50th birthday … and I found myself caught in an emotional tug-of-war – both loving and loathing this significant milestone. But that morning, I made a decision: 50 isn't just a number; it's a mindset. And I'm fully committed to embracing this new chapter with intention and purpose.

You've poured your heart into your nonprofit's mission. You've nailed the fundraising, developed strong programs, and built a stellar team. But if you don’t have an excellent ED-Board partnership, you can only get so far. So, let’s take a look on how to ensure your partnership is out of this world.

The thing that differentiates a good idea from a great one is if it’s actually worth your time, energy, and resources to pursue. You have to take that 30-thousand-foot view of something and determine if it’s a good idea or if it will just leave you frustrated and anxious about the potential unintended consequences of pursuing something you shouldn’t have.

Part of what makes your board able to give support to your Executive Director is by having out of this world board governance. This might sound overwhelming - but by following this Board Excellence Blueprint, your board will be outstanding in no time. An excellent board leads directly to amplifying your nonprofit’s impact.

We all know you joined your nonprofit's board because you care about the mission - but do you ever wonder why some nonprofits create tremendous impact while others are barely moving the needle? The difference often comes down to how the board supports its Executive Director. When your ED thrives, your entire organization flourishes.

We’ve all heard “Rotary this...” and “Rotary that...” - but what exactly is Rotary? And is it really something worth putting your time into? Rotary International describes itself as “a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.” And yes, it is absolutely worth it.

You know that feeling when your traditional marketing efforts just aren't cutting it anymore? It's time to shake things up with strategic sponsorships that can transform your business presence. There’s a reason that companies stay in your brain - like State Farm and Coors Light. And it’s not because of your untapped passion for insurance and beer.  It’s because you see them making a difference in your community through sponsorships.

The days when social media success was measured purely in likes and shares are long gone – that’s so 2012. To stay with the times, nonprofits need to foster genuine connections that inspire real community involvement. But how can you create meaningful digital engagement that actually moves the needle?

When running a business, adding more to your plate can sound daunting. But real community engagement goes beyond just writing checks or showing up at the occasional chamber of commerce meeting. We’re talking about meaningful involvement – the kind where you become a familiar face at local events and people know your name, not just your business card.

In the workplace, your people are your greatest asset - but they can also be your biggest challenge. We don’t live in a world of NPCs (that’s Non-Player Character in video game speak!) - everyone is unique with their own multidimensionality and idiosyncrasies. This is where HR consultants come in, they're like Swiss Army knives ready for human complexities.

Take a look at some different industries – and you’ll find coaches and mentors galore. They’re most obvious in sports, but they’re also built into a doctor’s residency or a mechanic’s apprenticeship. So why not utilize that resource in business?

Radical Candor, a management philosophy coined by Kim Scott, is about giving feedback that is both direct and empathetic. When implemented effectively, this approach can foster a high-performance culture by encouraging open communication, personal growth, and stronger relationships between managers and staff. It strengthens the ability to achieve your company's goals, setting it up for long-term success. 

An organizational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that examines every facet of your organization's operations. It's like getting a full-body scan of your organization, revealing both visible and hidden aspects that impact performance. They ensure your organization's capabilities align perfectly with its strategic objectives, providing a clear roadmap for targeted improvements. 

As a nonprofit leader, you are always striving to create a social impact. Marketing is about mission amplification and you need a megaphone. It’s not just for corporate giants; it's the lifeline that connects passionate organizations with the people who can help them create real change. 

Ever feel like your marketing message gets lost in the noise? The secret to standing out isn't just knowing your audience – it's understanding exactly what your brand is and why people should choose you over everyone else.

Sometimes marketing can feel overwhelming. With countless platforms, tools, and "expert advice" floating around, it's easy to get lost in the noise. But here's the thing: you don't need to do everything. If you can nail these five fundamental strategies, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic start!